The opening minutes had hope. We looked calm in possession and handled the press comfortably. But it did not last.
An in-form Mexico, one of the top sides in the world, unbeaten in 2026 and carrying the emotion of hosting the opening match. Julian Quinones scored an avoidable goal, but we felt it coming.
Before we get to red cards, we can admit Bafana were not good enough. They have done what many teams have failed to do – they are at the World Cup – but this was a harsh reminder of what performing on the biggest stage demands.
Three red cards. Absolute madness. Sphephelo Sithole went first for a last-man foul. The second was a joke. Themba Zwane, was dismissed in the 85th minute via VAR for a hand on the face. That decision was difficult to digest.
Mexico then had Cesar Montes dismissed in stoppage time for denying a goalscoring opportunity – if Zwane’s red set the precedent, there cannot be many complaints.
I was not expecting a win, I was hoping for a draw, but I needed more than this. We still back the boys. But we need to be better in Round 2 if we want to see the knockout stages.
Photo: REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
